Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Implementation TEAM
Steve Regur, Ed.D.
CEO
Organizational Transformation
Strategic Planning and Technical Assistance
Dr. Steve Regur is the founder and CEO of Educators Cooperative, where he leads a team dedicated to empowering teachers and expanding student opportunities through innovative, research-based K-12 solutions. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Trinity University and a doctorate from USC’s Rossier School of Education, where his research focused on how districts can prepare students for college and career readiness in a globally interconnected world.
Steve has been instrumental in implementing Career Connected Schools, promoting a career-curious culture in students by integrating internationally benchmarked best practices. These efforts align student preparation with future career opportunities and global educational standards.
Current projects include career education programs, competency-based digital badging systems, personalized learning coaching, and strengthening professional learning networks. Since 2006, Steve has authored $4.2 million in grants, co-founded several personalized learning schools, and helped numerous districts achieve student success through innovative projects.
Kirk melkonian, MBA
CFO
Strategic Planning and Technical Assistance
Curriculum and Instructional Design
Kirk Melkonian is an experienced education consultant, leadership coach, and product developer with a strong emphasis on project management and graphic design. As CFO of Educators Cooperative, Kirk brings his expertise in business strategy and marketing, developed through his MBA from USC’s Marshall School of Business.
Kirk’s work spans several areas, including leading career learning initiatives for K-12 students and developing district-level solutions to meet diverse educational needs. He specializes in facilitating collaboration among groups of diverse stakeholders to co-design effective educational programs.
His recent projects include designing career education programs that equip students with future-ready skills and managing district-level partnerships to implement scalable solutions. Kirk also incorporates graphic design to enhance learning resources and experiences. Additionally, he has contributed to global competency curriculum design for international organizations and led the reopening plan for the first large U.S. school district to reopen during the Covid pandemic in 2020.
Ed Hidalgo
Careers Leader
Career Education
Human Resource Development
Ed Hidalgo is an expert in Human Resource Development, with a passion for helping individuals navigate their career journeys, especially those facing challenges in managing their careers. He consults and advises on all aspects of Career Readiness.
Ed holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from the University of Miami and has held various leadership roles in Human Development, including Area Manager for Manpower in San Diego, Senior Director for Staffing and Government Affairs at Qualcomm, Director of the World of Work initiative at the University of San Diego, and Chief Innovation Officer at the Cajon Valley Union School District. He is certified as a CPI and Strong Interest Inventory Facilitator by Myers-Briggs and is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach.
Ed’s notable projects include designing and leading Qualcomm’s Thinkabit Lab™, a hands-on makerspace experience for middle school students, and spearheading the World of Work initiative, which introduces career readiness to K-12 students. He also advises a technology education company on integrating career readiness into K-12 literacy programs.
Scott Houston, M.A
Curriculum and Instructional Design
Team Development
Scott Houston holds a Master of Arts in Middle School Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry. He began his teaching career in Fontana, where he taught both middle and high school for eight years. During this time, he also taught MA candidates at CSU San Bernardino.
Scott is National Board Certified in Early Adolescent Mathematics and has been recognized four times in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.
As an experienced education consultant, Scott helps teachers implement research-based strategies and best practices. His recent projects include guiding teachers through the Next Generation Science Standards, improving assessment readiness, supporting strategic thinking in mathematics, and designing a comprehensive career education framework for K-12 students.
In his free time, Scott enjoys dogs and comics.
JessiE Tena, M.A
Student Empowerment and Wellness
Workplace Health and Wellness
Curriculum and Instructional Design
Jessie Tena has over twenty years of experience in education, serving as a teacher, administrator, coach, mentor, and now as an educational consultant. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis on secondary education from San Diego State University and a Master’s degree in Education with a Cross-Cultural focus. Jessie was honored as San Diego Unified School District’s High School Teacher of the Year in 2013, the same year she completed her training as a Freedom Writer Teacher in Long Beach, California. She recently earned a Positive Intelligence coaching certificate under Dr. Shirzad Chamine at Stanford, enabling her to support clients in enhancing their personal and professional well-being.
With extensive expertise as an educational consultant, Jessie’s recent projects include working with San Diego Unified School District to help end the "school-to-prison pipeline" and expand restorative practices in schools. She also advises nonprofits and community organizations on integrating restorative and equitable practices into their support systems.
Melinda Pierson, PH.D
Workplace Health and Wellness
Team Development
Melinda R. Pierson, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Special Education at Cal State Fullerton, where she served as Department Chair for 15 years and was honored as the Outstanding Professor in the College of Education in 2012. Since 2002, she has also been the Director of the Center for International Partnerships in Education.
Dr. Pierson has led over 100 students on inclusive study abroad programs, co-leads international teacher training research projects with educators from over 10 countries, and developed an online training network in Haiti to support teachers in orphanage schools. Her recent work with Educators Cooperative includes providing wellness support and workshops to multiple districts and offering guidance on issues related to students with disabilities.
Throughout her career, Dr. Pierson has authored over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and grants, focusing on literacy, inclusion, international teacher training, wellness, and resilience in children and adolescents. She has presented extensively to school districts and at state, national, and international conferences. Most recently, she began working with the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Schools, supporting personnel and their families abroad.
JuanCarlos Nieblas, M.Ed
Student Empowerment and Wellness
Juancarlosnieblas@educators.coop
JuanCarlos Nieblas was born and raised in San Diego, California. For the past 25 years, he has been a leader in educational justice, providing services at the elementary, middle, and high school levels as a counselor, pupil advocate, and Restorative Justice Practitioner. His work with youth and families, which began at the age of 16, has positioned him as a key figure in the Restorative Justice movement. He currently serves as the Program Manager for Restorative Justice Practices in Schools at The National Conflict Resolution Center.
JuanCarlos uses his extensive educational experience to support students' personal, social, emotional, and academic needs. He collaborates with school leadership, staff, community agencies, and existing programs in partnerships with San Diego Unified, Escondido Union, and Sweetwater Union School Districts to develop and implement Restorative Justice Practices across San Diego County schools.
In 2024, JuanCarlos completed his Master of Education (M.Ed.), focusing on restorative practices. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in chemical dependency and is currently pursuing a Pupil Services Credential for School Counseling from National University. JuanCarlos is a member of Izcalli and the National Compadres Network, where he continues his lifelong commitment to mentoring young men in the community, just as he was once mentored himself.
Dennis Eastman, Ph.D.
Program Design, Instruction and Student Engagement
Dennis Eastman, Ph.D. (Claremont Graduate University), has spent 15 years in various educational roles, including Social Studies teacher, coach, Athletic Director, and Director of New Faculty Development, before transitioning to a principal position. As principal, he worked closely with faculty and students, leading the school to be recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of California’s most improved schools.
Currently, Dr. Eastman is a Professor and Director of Secondary Education in the School of Education at Biola University, where he has spent the past 14 years preparing teachers to serve students effectively in diverse settings. His international experience includes leading professional development workshops that partner with local school administrators and faculty to develop inclusive and effective teaching strategies.
Dr. Eastman’s research focuses on equipping teachers with skills in student motivation, program design, and creating inclusive learning environments. His work also emphasizes preparing teachers for international education. His dedication to fostering inclusive, active learning environments drives his ongoing contributions to the field.
Vanessa Lugo Rippee, M.Ed.
Curriculum and Instructional Design
Vanessa Lugo Rippee holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication Studies and Political Science from UCLA and a Master of Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education. She began her career in Denver, Colorado, as a Pre-K teacher and Community Relations/International Schools Coordinator. In 2015, Vanessa earned an M.A. in Educational Leadership and Management from Teachers College, Columbia University, eventually serving as a School Leader.
As an education leader, Vanessa brings extensive experience in professional learning, curriculum development, and consultancy. She excels at implementing educational programs on various scales, using data insights and adult learning principles to craft strategies tailored to client needs. With a focus on equitable practices and trust-building, Vanessa collaborates with stakeholders to drive positive outcomes and improve implementation metrics.
Vanessa’s dedication to inclusivity and innovation extends globally. She has presented on pedagogical innovations at prestigious events such as the Partnership for Global Learning and the Asia Society. Recognized as a Champion of Change by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, Vanessa’s passion for educational equity and transformational change continues to influence her work, impacting communities and educational systems worldwide.
Jackie Hanna, M.A
Curriculum and Instructional Design
Jackie Hanna was born and raised in Oxford, Ohio. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Miami University, with a focus on international studies, and studied abroad in Differdange, Luxembourg. She also earned a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado.
Jackie has spent 13 years teaching internationally. She began at the Denver Center for International Studies, where she mentored student-teacher residents, and continued at the Korea International School in Seoul, South Korea, focusing on transdisciplinary learning and vertical alignment. Jackie also taught at Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the American School of Lima in Peru, emphasizing backwards design, technology integration, and objective-driven learning.
Over the years, Jackie has led numerous projects and presentations, including training for engaging literacy instruction for young learners, implementing technology for virtual learning through collaboration, and aligning standards with curriculum development for K-12 educators in mathematics and science.
Jimaidis "JIMI" Cicilia
Apprentice, Project Management
Jimaidis, known as Jimi, brings a rich cultural background and a passion for learning to the Educators Cooperative team. Originally from the Netherlands, Jimi has Dutch Caribbean roots, offering a diverse perspective shaped by both European and Caribbean influences. She earned her associate’s degree in Business and Trade (Management) from Lentiz Life College in the Netherlands, completing her studies in 2020.
Jimi’s professional background includes leadership roles as a Team Manager and Area Trainer at Picnic in Rotterdam, followed by a back-office position at Aquafox in Delft, where she developed expertise in administration, financial management, and customer relations. These experiences shaped her strong organizational and communication skills.
In 2023, Jimi moved to California, eager for new opportunities. As an apprentice at Educators Cooperative, she is excited to expand her knowledge and contribute to educational innovation, with a focus on supporting diverse communities. Her adaptability, curiosity, and drive to continuously grow make her a valuable part of the team.